USAA Data Breach Settlement: Claim Your Share Before April 7, 2025
Were you a USAA member affected by the May 2021 data breach? You might be eligible for a share of a $3.25 million settlement. But time is running out! The deadline to file your claim is April 7, 2025. This article explains everything you need to know about the USAA data breach settlement and how to claim your compensation.
The USAA Data Breach and Legal Battle
In May 2021, USAA experienced a data breach affecting approximately 22,000 customers. The breach stemmed from a vulnerability in the system that auto-populated insurance quote information using motor vehicle records. This allowed unauthorized access to sensitive personal data, including driver's license numbers. USAA customer Vincent Dolan filed a class-action lawsuit, leading to a three-year legal battle culminating in the $3.25 million settlement.
Eligibility and Claim Submission
To be eligible, you must have been a USAA member in May 2021 and have had your personal information compromised in the breach. USAA sent notifications to affected members via email or mail in December 2024. This notification contains crucial information: a claimant ID and a confirmation code. These codes are essential for submitting your claim online through the designated settlement website. The two-step process involves entering these codes and completing an online form.
Settlement Distribution and USAA's Response
The settlement provides compensation to affected customers. While the exact amount per person will depend on the number of valid claims, the lead plaintiff, Vincent Dolan, will receive up to $10,000. Attorneys' fees will also be deducted from the settlement fund. USAA, while agreeing to the settlement, maintains it acted appropriately and that the breach was part of a larger industry-wide cyberattack in 2021. They further note that they immediately contacted affected customers and offered complimentary identity theft protection services.
Important Deadlines
The deadline to file a claim is April 7, 2025. Missing this deadline means forfeiting your potential payout and waiving your right to sue USAA regarding this specific incident. This deadline applies to those who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement or object to its terms. Remember to cash any mailed checks within 60 days of issuance.
Next Steps
Act now! If you received a notification from USAA, locate your claimant ID and confirmation code. Visit the official settlement website before April 7th to file your claim and secure your share of the settlement.